Windber Resident Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Windber, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Paul A. Marone (Jr.), 45, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from in and around January 2024 to in and around July 2024, Marone received and attempted to receive images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. The Indictment further alleges that, during that same time period, Marone coerced and enticed a minor.

The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.